Before the match in Salvador at the Arena Fonte Nova, Italy coach Cesar Prandelli had advised his squad to stay inside their hotel because of security fears, but only limited protests were reported there.

Neymar proved a thorn in Italy's side from the start and was behind a flurry of attacks in the first minute.

But the rest of the half proved scrappy until the home breakthrough in added time.

Neymar whipped in a free kick and after Fred's header was palmed clear by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Dante pounced to slot home the rebound.